New Work: To Life!

To Life! 1
11" x 14"
painted acrylic paper on matboard
​work available here

The title seems a little optimistic for me. I didn't quite mean things to sound like a toast or a pronouncement.

Really, the title refers to what this piece is based on which is the beautiful structures of the amino acids, often called the building blocks of proteins. In general, I love looking at the chemical representations of molecules, how they are built and what form they take. To me, these structures are beautiful and very artistic in their own way, both balanced and efficient.

My life is filled with rabbit holes and in doing a little poking around on the Internet, I came across a depiction of the molecular structure of the amino acids group. Amino acids are often called the building blocks of proteins. The above piece is based on the amino acid called asparagine. In general, I understand that amino acids have been here on earth since life began. Anything that old can't be too bad!

It's important to note that I don't fully understand this subject, not even close. I do know however, (I hope), something beautiful when I see it and that is how I feel about these structures that I am beginning to learn about. There is meaning here. The fact that our bodies (and all life forms on earth for that matter) are creating all of the time, taking in nutrition and energy, building up and tearing down, and engaging in unseen processes, is really amazing. It feels ancient and important somehow. Amino acids are a part of this process. I may not grasp the whole process but I can see that it is beautiful in some way.

​In making this piece, I wanted something to reflect that beauty. I wanted to respond to what I was feeling regarding these molecular representations. I chose to do this through using colors that are clear, bright and contrasting; by making lines that are flowing; and by cutting and placing curvilinear shapes that interlock together in a pleasing way. In the end, I don't think an artist ever comes close enough to what they want to convey. I think you can only try to be present when creating and hopefully a little of your efforts will show in the final work.

Send an email if you like!
libbyfife@ymail.com
​Work available to purchase